Power transmission

ABSTRACT

A FLUID DIRECTIONAL CONTROL DEVICE HAVING IN COMBINATION A FLUID AMPLIFIER FOR DIRECTING FLUID FLOW TO ONE OF A PLURALITY OF FLUID OUTLETS AND A MOVABLE BALL ELEMENT WHICH IS RESPONSIVE TO PRESSURE ACTING THEREON TO PREVENT FLUID FLOW FROM EXHAUSTING FROM THE OTHER OF SAID PLURALITY OF   FLUID OUTLETS WHEN SAID FLUID FLOW IS EXHAUSTED FROM SAID ONE OUTLET (.) AND TO PROVIDE FEEDBACK FLOW TO IMPROVE STABILITY.

July 31, 1973 BECKER ET Al. Re. 27,712

POWER TRANSMISSION Original Filed Dec. 13. 1967 2 Sheets-Sheet 1INVENTORS KENNETH F. BECKER, LEROY D. TAYLOR, WALTER J. ZOYA ATTORNEYSPOWER TRANSMI SS ION 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Original Filed Dec. 13. 1967 FIG.2

INVENTORS. KENNETH F BECKER, LEROY D. TAYLOR, WALTER J. ZOYA.

ATTORNEYS United States Patent 27,712 POWER TRANSMISSION Kenneth F.Becker, Clarkston, Le Roy D. Taylor, Rochester, and Walter J. Zoya,Troy, Mich., assiguors to Sperry Rand Corp., Troy, Mich.

Original No. 3,521,653, dated July 28, 1970, Ser. No. 690,176, Dec. 13,1967. Application for reissue Jan. 4, 1971, Ser. No. 103,657

Int. Cl. FlSc 3/06 US. Cl. 137-831 4 Claims Matter enclosed in heavybrackets appears in the original patent but forms no part of thisreissue specification; matter printed in italics indicates the additionsmade by reissue.

ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE A fluid directional control device having incombination a fluid amplifier for directing fluid flow to one of aplurality of fluid outlets and a movable ball element which isresponsive to pressure acting thereon to prevent fluid flow fromexhausting from the other of said plurality of fluid outlets when saidfluid flow is exhausted from said one outlet[.] and to provide feedbackflow to improve stability.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to powertransmissions, particularly to those of the type comprising two or morefluid pressure energy translating devices, one of which may function asa fluid pump and another as a fluid motor.

This invention is generally concerned with a directional control valvemechanism for controlling the direction of fluid in such transmissionsystems. In particular, this invention relates to a unique valvingmechanism which is a fluidic-mechanical design concept exhibiting thefunctional reliability and simplicity of a pure fluid system with thepositive shut-off characteristics typical of mechanical systems.

Specifically, this invention relates to a fluidic mechanical controlthrust assembly which selectively directs extremely high temperature gasto any of a plurality of thrust nozzles.

In the past, it has been customary to use in such high temperature gasdirectional control systems a pilot operated directional control valvewhich is generally designed to direct flow to one of two rocket nozzles.In present day missile applications, four such rocket nozzles may becircumferentially spaced around the outer periphery of the missile andused to obtain proper guidance for the missile direction, thus, twoseparate control valves are required-one for each pair of nozzles. Aneffective control of the missile direction may be obtained by employingthree nozzles, however, two directional control valves would still berequired to selectively control the flow of gas to the rocket nozzles.

The control valves used in the past have functioned in an acceptablemanner, however, they employ sliding elements which require a closeclearance sliding fit which is sensitive to propellant contamination andmay lead to possible damage or seizure of the sliding elements. Suchvalves require the use of a propellant filter, thus adding undesirableweight to the vehicle.

In addition, such valves are designed such that the pilot control flowand internal leakage are exhausted overboard, thus increasing the totalsystem volumetric losses.

Further, such missile applications have a limited amount of electricalpower available for use, thus, employing a thrust assembly valvingsystem which requires Re. 27,712 Reissued July 31, 1973 a plurality ofcontrol valves, reduces the effective electrical power available.

It has been suggested that missile control may be obtained by utilizinga flow control valving system which is comprised of pure fluidicdevices, however, such a pure fluidic system is not adaptable for such ause, since fluidic systems do not provide the required low leakagecharacteristics of a positive shut-off mechanical type valve.

SUMMARY This invention comprises a combination of a fluid amplifier anda pressure responsive mechanical element in which flow may be exhaustedfrom one leg of said amplifier while the flow from the other leg of saidamplifier is substantially shut olf.

It is therefore an object of this invention to provide a unique andimproved fluidic mechanical device for direct ing the flow of fluid andwhich provides the low leakage characteristics of a positive shut-offmechanical type valve.

It is also an object of this invention to provide a directional controlvalve in which all pilot control flow and internal leakage is collectedand utilized for the output.

It is also an object of this invention to provide a directional controlvalve having no close clearance sliding fits, thus minimizing damage andpossible seizure.

It is also a purpose of this invention to provide a directional controlvalve which is completely insensitive to propellant contamination.

It is also a purpose of this invention to provide an electricallyactuated directional control valve which may selectively direct fluidflow from an inlet to a plurality of fluid outlets and which has aminimum electrical power consumption.

It is a further purpose of this invention to provide a directionalcontrol valve which may selectively direct fluid flow from an inlet to aplurality of fluid outlets, which is compact, and economical tomanufacture, and which is reliable in operation over a long life.

Further objects and advantages of the present invention will be apparentfrom the following description, reference being had to the accompanyingdrawings wherein a preferred form of the invention is clearly shown.

IN THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic view of a directional controlvalve incorporating a preferred form of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagrammatic view of another embodiment incorporating apreferred form of the present invention.

Referring now to the drawings, and especially FIG. 1, the directionalcontrol valve 10 of the present invention has a pure fluid logic device12 having a power stream input channel 14 connecting an inlet chamber 16to an interaction chamber 18 by means of sonic (or supersonic) venturi20, which defines a fluid power stream emanating from venturi 20 intothe interaction chamber 18. The other extremity of the inlet chamber 16is connected to a pressure fluid source such as the propellant exhaustof a missile rocket engine, not shown. First and second diverging outputchannels 22 and 24 also communicate with the interaction chamber 18 anddefine first and second output paths of fluid flow, respectively. Theoutput channels 22 and 24 diverge from a common wedge 26 disposedtherebetween, which is preferably truncated and forms one wall of theinteraction chamber 18. The other walls of the interaction chamber 18may be formed by extensions of the exterior walls of the output channels22 and 24. The device 12 has a left control jet no7zle 28 and a rightcontrol jet nozzle 30 which communicate with the interaction chamber 18at one extremity, and are connected, respectively, to left and rightfeed back control ports 32 and 34 in a servo valve chamber 36 by meansof conduits 38 and 40, respectively. The servo valve chamber 36 isconnected to the inlet chamber 16 by means of conduit 41, thus, bothchambers 16 and 36 are substantially at the same pressure.

The pressure fluid in chamber 36 may be selectively directed to eitherleft and right feedback control ports 32 and 34 by means of a leaf typeflapper 42 which is mechanically linked and actuated by solenoids 44 and46. When the solenoids are actuated so as to shift the flapper 42rightwardly, as illustrated by the letter A, the pressure fluid enteringthe right feedback control port 34 is substantially restricted, thuspressure fluid in chamber 36 will exit through the left feedback controlport 32 and be directed to the interaction chamber 18 via conduit 38 andleft jet nozzle 28. When the solenoids are actuated so as to shift theflapper 42 leftwardly, as illustrated by the letter B," the pressurefluid entering the left feedback control port 32 is substantiallyrestricted, thus, pressure fluid in the chamber 36 will exit through theright feedback control port 34 and be directed to the interactionchamber 18 via conduit 40 and right jet nozzle 30.

Pure fluid device 12, as described, may be constructed according to anyof the methods known to those skilled in the art. The device 12 may beof the momentum exchange type, wherein the power stream is deflected byone of the control jet nozzles which directs pressure fluid laterally atthe power stream. This device is accordingly sometimes referred to as aproportional, or analog, device. A second, and preferable, type ofdevice which may be used is generally known as a boundary layer, orCoanda effect device. In this latter device, the power jet is deflectedby the action of side walls of an interaction chamber which are shapedin such a Way that the power stream will attach to one or the other ofthe walls of the output channels, but not both of the walls. This typeof device is basically a two position device, and for this reason isreferred to as a digital device. Although the digital is preferred, boththe analog and digital type of device can be employed in combinationwith the subject invention.

Thus, when pressure fluid is directed through the left control jetnozzle 28 into the interaction chamber 18, the power stream will bedirected through the flow path defined by channel 24, and when pressurefluid is directed through the right control jet nozzle 30 into theinteraction chamber 18, the power stream will be directed through theflow path defined by the channel 22. Thus, the power stream may beselectively directed to either output channel 22 or 24 by means ofpositioning flapper 42.

As soon as the power stream 124 is directed into one of the outputchannels, say 24, a low pressure vortex bubble 122 is formed asillustrated in FIG. 1. This low pressure vortex bubble, in combinationwith the higher pressure existing in the off output channel (as will bedescribed in greater detail below) keeps the power stream deflected infothe on output channel 24, and the flow of deflecting fluid from thecontrol conduit 38 is no longer needed. Thus, the solenoids 44 and 46need be actuated only momentarily to deflect the power stream in the direcrion desired.

Associated with the output channels 22 and 24 are fluid outlets 48 and50. respectively, which are connected to each other by means of achannel 52. The channel 52 is in fluid communication with each of. theoutput channels 22 and 24. Movably mounted in channel 52 is a hollowball member 54 which is responsive to the pressure acting thereon tomove within channel 52 to engage either valve seat 56 or valve seat 58which are formed in fluid outlets 48 and 50. respectively.

The hollow construction of the ball member will minimize input stressloads on the valve seats 56 and 58 while its low mass construction alsoenhances the ball members response to the pressure acting thereon. Itshould be noted that no individual dynamic seals are required in theball member since the actuation seal between the ball member and thechannel 52 is not critical to its operation.

In fact, by providing a small clearance between the ball 54 and thechannel 52, the device becomes insensitive to propellant contamination.This clearance is large enough to allow the pressure at 128 to build upto a value always greater than that in the low pressure vortex bubbleI22 and allows a small feedback flow 126 to occur upwardly in the ofichannel 22 or 24 and acts to stabilize the flow stream position into theon channel.

If the flapper 42 is actuated so as to cause the power stream to bedirected into the flow path associated with output channel 22 in amanner herebefore described, the power stream will exit through thefluid outlet 48 and be directed to a pressure energy translating device,not shown, for use by the same by means of conduit 60, or, asillustrated, to thrust rocket nozzle 61. Simultaneously, a pressuredifferential will exist across the ball member 54, the resultant forceof which will act on ball member 54 to move it away from the powerstream and fluid outlet 48 through channel 52 toward the fluid outletwhereupon the ball member 54 will engage the valve seat 58 to close offfluid communication between the fluid outlet 50 and output channel 24,thus providing a positive shut-off of any leakage entering the channel24 from the interaction chamber 18[.] and the feedback flow from channel52 to the ofi channel 24 will stabilize the power stream. Ball member 54will remain seated on valve seat 58 as long as the power stream isdirected to the fluid outlet 48.

When the flapper 42 is actuated so as to cause the power stream to bedirected into the flow path associated with the output channel 24 in amanner herebefore described, the power stream will exit through thefluid outlet 50 and be directed to the said pressure energy translatingdevice by means of conduit 62, or, as illustrated, to rocket nozzle 63.Simultaneously, a pressure dilferential will exist across the ballmember 54, the resultant force of which will act on ball member 54 tomove it away from the power stream and fluid outlet 50 through channel52 to the fluid outlet 48 whereupon the ball member 54 will engage thevalve seat 56 to close off fluid communication between the fluid outlet48 and the output channel 22, thus providing a positive shut-off of anyleakage entering the channel 22 from the interaction chamber 18[.] andthe feedback flow from channel 52 to the of) channel 22 will stabilizethe power stream. Ball member 54 will remain seated in valve member 56as long as the power stream is directed to the fluid outlet 50.

Referring now to FIG. 2, there is illustrated another embodiment of theinvention. A directional control valve has two pure fluid devices 72 and73 connected in series.

The pure fluid device 72 has components which are identical to the fluiddevice 12 herebefore described, and is operated by identical solenoidsto function in the same manner as fluid device 12 as herebeforedescribed.

The outlet 50 of the device 72 is a power stream input channel 74connecting the device 72 to an interaction chamber 78 of device 73 bymeans of a sonic venturi 80 which defines a fluid power stream emanatingfrom venturi 80 into the interaction chamber 78. Third and fourth outputchannels 82 and 84 also communicate with the interaction chamber 78 anddefine first and second output paths of fluid flow, respectively. Theoutput channels 82 and 84 diverge from a common wedge 86 disposedtherebetween, which is preferably truncated and forms one wall of theinteraction chamber 78. The other walls of the interaction chamber 78may be formed by the extensions of the exterior walls of the outputchannels 82 and 84. The device 78 has a control jet nozzle 88 whichcommunicates with the interaction chamber 78 at one extremity and isconnected to a feedback control port 90 by means of a servo valvechamber 92. The feedback control port 90 is connected to the powerstream input channel 74 beyond the outlet seat 58 by means of conduit94.

Within the servo chamber 92 there is provided a leaf type flapper 96which is mechanically linked to and actuated by solenoid 98. When thesolenoid 98 is actuated so as to shift the flapper 96 leftwardly, asillustrated by the letter C, the pressure fluid entering the servochamber 92 from the feedback control port 90 is substantiallyrestricted, thus, fluid is prevented from entering the interactionchamber 78 via control jet nozzle 88. When the solenoid 98 is actuatedso as to shift the flapper 96 rightwardly, as illustrated by the letterD, pressure fluid may freely enter the servo chamber 92 from thefeedback control port 90, and thus into the interaction chamber 78 viacontrol jet nozzle 88.

The device 73 is designed such that the power stream entering theinteraction chamber 78 will be directed to the flow path defined by theoutput channel 84 when the flapper 96 is restricting the feedbackcontrol port 90 (position C") and no flow enters the interaction chambervia control jet nozzle 88 as herebefore described. When the flapper 96is moved to position D," and the fluid enters the interaction chamber 78via control jet nozzle 88 as herebefore described the power stream willbe directed from the input channel 74 to the flow path defined by outputchannel 82. Thus the power stream may be selectively directed to eitherinput channel 82 or 84 by means of positioning flapper 96.

Pure fluid device 78, as described may be constructed according to anyof the methods known to those skilled in the art. The type of selectorof diverter device is commonly known in the art as an OR-NOR gate valve.

Associated with the output channels 82 and 84 are fluid outlets 100 and102, respectively, which are connected to each other by means of achannel 104. The channel 104 is in fluid communication with each of theoutput channels 82 and 84. Movably mounted in channel 104 is a hollowball member 106 which is responsive to pressure acting thereon to movewithin channel 104 to engage either valve seat 107 or valve seat 110which are formed on the fluid outlet 100 and 102, respectively. The ballmember 104 is identical to ball member 54 and functions in substantiallythe same manner to prevent communication between the output channel andits associated outlet which is being engaged by the ball member.

For example, if the device 72 is actuated such that the power stream isdirected into the path associated with output channel 24 to the outlet50 and power stream input channel 74 when the flapper 96 is in the Cposition (restricting feedback control port 90), the power streamemanating from the venturi 80 will be directed into the path associatedwith the ouput channel 84 and exhausted through outlet 102. The powerstream may then be directed to a pressure energy translating device, notshown, for use by the same by means of conduit 112 or, as illustrated,to thrust rocket nozzle 114. Simultaneously, a pressure differentialwill exist across the ball member 106, the resultant force of which willact on ball member 106 to move it away from the power stream and fluidoutlet 102 through channel 104 toward the fluid outlet 100 whereupon theball member 106 will engage the valve seat 108 formed on outlet 100 toclose 011 fluid communication between the fluid outlet 100 and theoutput channel 82, thus providing a positive shut-oil of any leakageentering the channel 82 from the interaction chamber 78. Ball member 106will remain seated on valve seat 108 as long as the power stream isdirected to the fluid outlet 102.

When the flapper 96 is in the D position (permitting free communicationbetween the control jet nozzle 88 and the feedback control port 90 viaservo chamber 92) the power stream will be directed into the flow pathdefined by the output channel 82 and exhausted through outlet 100. Thepower stream may then be directed to a pressure energy translatingdevice, not shown, for use by the same by means of conduit 118, or, asillustrated, to thrust rocket nozzle 120. Simultaneously, a pressuredifferential will exist across the ball member 106, the resultant forceof which will act on ball member 106 to move it away from the powerstream and fluid outlet through channel 104 toward the fluid outlet 102,whereupon the ball member 106 will engage the valve seat 110 formed onoutlet 102 to close communication between the fluid outlet 102 and theoutput channel 84, thus providing a positive shut-off of any leakageentering the channel 84 from the interaction chamber 78. Ball member 106will remain seated on valve seat 110 as long as the power stream isdirected to the fluid outlet 100.

Thus, the power steam may be selectively directed to either outlet bymeans of positioning the flapper 96.

It will thus be seen that the present invention provides an electricallyactuated fluidic directional control valve capable of directing fluidselectively to a plurality of out lets, which has a minimum ofelectrical power consumption, and in which it construction has no closeclearance sliding fits thus minimizing valve damage; and which providesa fludic valve which has the low leakage characteristics of a positiveshut-ott mechanical type valve.

While the form of embodiment of the invention as herein describedconstitutes a preferred form, it is to be understood that other formsmight be adapted, all coming within the scope of the claims whichfollow:

What is claimed is a follows:

1. A fluidic mechanical device comprising:

(a) a pure fluid logic element having a power stream input channel fordefining a power stream, a first output channel having an associatedfluid outlet, a second output channel having an associated fluid outlet,each channel defining a path of fluid flow, and an interaction chamberdisposed between and communicating with said channels;

(b) said output channels being divergent with respect to a wedgetherebetween which defines a portion of said interaction chamber;

(c) means for selectively directing said power stream to either of saidfirst and said second output channels;

(d) a third channel connecting said fluid outlets, said third channelbeing associated with and in fluid communication with said first andsecond channels;

(e) means forming a pressure responsive element movable mounted in saidthird channel, said movable means being adapted to close communicationbetween one of said fluid outlets and its associated output channel inresponse to pressure acting thereon when said power stream is beingdirected through the flow path of the channel associated with the otherof said fluid outlets;

(f) a second pure fluid logic element having a second power stream inputchannel for defining a second power stream, said second inlet beingassociated with and in fluid communication with one of saidfirstmentioned outlets, a fourth output channel having an associatedfluid outlet, 21 fifth output channel having an associated fluid outlet,each channel defining a path of fluid flow, and a second interactionchamber disposed between and in communication with said second-mentionedchannels;

(g) said second-mentioned output channels being divergent with respectto a second wedge therebetween which defines a portion of said secondinteraction chambers;

(h) means for selectively directing said second power stream to eitherof said fourth and fifth output channels;

(i) a sixth channel connecting said second-mentioned fluid outlets, saidsixth channel being associated with and in fluid communication with saidfourth and fifth channels; and

(j) means forming a second pressure responsive element movably mountedin said sixth channel, said second movable means being adapted to closecommunication between one of said second-mentioned fluid outlets and itsassociated output channel in response to pressure acting thereon whensaid second power stream is being directed through the flow path of thechannel associated with the other of said second-mentioned fluidoutlets.

2. A combination as in claim 1, wherein said first and second pressureresponsive movable means each comprise a ball member mounted in saidchannel associated with each movable means for the free transverserolling motion relative to said associated channel in response topressure ahead of and beyond said ball member,

3. A fluidic mechanical device comprising:

(a) A pure fluid logic element having a power stream input channel fordefining a power stream, a first output channel having an associatedfluid outlet, a second output channel having an associated fluid outlet,each channel defining a path of fluid flow, the fluid outlets beingcoaxial and oppositely facing, and an interaction chamber disposedbetween and cmmunicating with said channels;

(1')) said output channels being divergent with respect to a wedgetherebetween which defines a portion of said interaction chamber;

(c) means for selectively directing said power stream to either of saidfirst and second output channels;

(d) a third channel coaxially connecting the two fluid outlets, saidchannel being also in communication with the first and second channels;

(e) means forming a pressure responsive element movably mounted in saidthird channel, said movable means being adapted to close communicationbetween one of said fluid outlets and its associated output channel inresponse to pressure acting thereon when said power stream is beingdirected through the flow path of the channel associated with the otherof said fluid outlets each fluid outlet being open to continuous flow ofthe power stream whenever the other fluid outlet is closed by themovable means. 4. A combination as defined in claim 3 wherein saidpressure responsive element comprises a ball member mourned in saidchannel for free transverse rolling motion in response to pressure aheadof and beyond said ball member.

References Cited The following references, cited by the Examiner, are

of record in the patented file of this patent or the original patent.

UNITED STATES PATENTS 3,357,638 12/1967 Sher et a1 235201 M E 3,431,9343/1969 Riordan 235201 M E 3,552,437 1/1971 Blosser, Jr., et a1. 235201 ME 3,168,898 2/1965 Samet 137--81.5 X 3,225,780 12/1965 Warren et al137-815 3,124,999 3/1964 Woodward 13781.5 X 3,181,546 5/1965 Boothe13781.5 3,220,428 11/1965 Wilkerson 137-815 3,282,282 11/1966 Sowers III13781.5 3,340,896 9/1967 Mon et a1. 137-81.5 X 3,342,392 9/1967 SowersIII 13781.5 X 3,463,389 8/1969 Mott 13781.5 X 3,490,476 1/1970 Hartman13781.5

SAMUEL SCOTT, Primary Examiner US. Cl. X.R. 235-201 M E

